November 27, 2015
Over the EDGE Gift Guide: Food & Drink
Jill Gleeson READ TIME: 9 MIN.
Along with peace on Earth and good will toward men, the holidays are all about dining and drinking. And showing how much you adore friends and family - even perpetually cranky Uncle Fred - by giving them the perfect gift, of course.
This year, why not take the guesswork out of present-presenting by offering up a little something with a culinary or cocktail theme? From artisanal salsas to a flask handsome and durable enough Doc Holliday would have been proud to carry it, these exceptional items are sure to bring a smile to anyone who unwraps them. Even Uncle Fred.
T-Fal Clipso Pressure Cooker
Angling for an invite to a homey pot roast dinner? Give the chef in your life this next-generation 6.3-quart pressure cooker from T-Fal. Thanks to an ingenious system, the Clipso allows users to open and close the lid with one hand. There's also a steam release valve for added safety and stainless steel construction for an extended lifespan. The Clipso comes complete with a steam basket, stand and recipe booklet.
$99.50
Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2016
Whether you're buying for a connoisseur or someone just beginning their journey into the wine world, Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2016 will prove an indispensable guide. The planet's foremost vino expert, Johnson has been publishing this perennial bestseller since 1977. His 39th edition features a nifty color supplement on Riesling, essential tips on food and wine pairings, reviews of big-name brands and even Johnson's 200 personal faves. Bottoms up!
$16.99
With this stylish, simple container garden you can bestow the gift of fresh herbs all year. Inspired by classic window boxes, the kit comes in a box handmade in Idaho from recycled U.S. steel, with a lid that inverts for use as a saucer. It includes soil, growing instructions and organic/heirloom basil, chives and oregano seeds, so success is assured even for those without green thumbs. Gourmet lettuce and strawberry kits are also available. Can be used indoors or out.
$54
The Vermonter Flask from Jacob Bromwell
Inspired by the company's beloved Great American Flask, this stunning portable drinking vessel from Jacob Bromwell features a crucial difference: it boasts a screw-top guaranteed not to leak. Handmade of copper in the state from which it gets its name, the heirloom-quality Vermonter Flask is ideal for a loved one who appreciates heritage-inspired pieces that unite form and function through magnificent design. Holds 9 fluid ounces.
$299 (For that added wow factor, order custom engraving for an additional $250.)
Combining whimsy with high design and fine craftsmanship, the Calamityware Volcano Plate is guaranteed to produce delighted chuckles from anyone who receives it. Produced at the award-winning Kristoff porcelain workshop in Poland, it was designed by artist Don Moyer to recall traditional Blue Willow pattern plates, but with a crucial difference: disaster. Other Calamityware plates and mugs include depictions of UFO invasions, rampaging giant robots and aggressive pterodactyls. Dishwasher, microwave and food safe.
$42 each or $150 for set of four
Show how much you really care this holiday season by stashing these delicious, healthy teas under the tree. Hand-mixed in California using the finest organic medicinal herbs by a trained herbalist, they are available in six wellness-promoting varieties, including Sweet Dreams, Stress Less, Digestive Tea, Brain Booster and Allergy Slayer. Kick that Cold helps do just that by supporting immune systems through a blend of Echinacea leaf, yarrow, elderflower, peppermint, chamomile, rosehips and lemon balm.
$9 each
La Fundidora Salsa Variety Pack
Why not add some zing to your gift giving this year with a salsa variety pack from La Fundidora? After all, these aren't your average mass-produced, supermarket salsas. Handcrafted from the freshest ingredients in small batches without added chemicals, sweeteners or acidifiers, they are 100 percent natural, vegan, gluten-free and certified kosher. The variety pack features three 12-ounce jars of artisanal salsas: vibrant Fresca, spicy Fuego and smoky Humo.
$16.99
There's Chinese food and then there's Andrew Wong Chinese food. The proprietor of A. Wong, currently the hottest Asian restaurant in London, Wong traveled across China collecting authentic recipes that he then filtered through his unique culinary genius. This modern exploration of regional Chinese fare includes a chapter on dim sum as well recipes for dishes like lotus root crisps, Singapore noodles and crispy aromatic duck. The next best thing if you can't quite swing a gift certificate to Wong's eatery this holiday season or a trip to China.
$29.99
Handmade in American Fork, Utah, from Horween leather (one of the oldest tanneries in the U.S.), felted wool and durable waxed canvas, this is a unique gift that will be used and loved for years to come. It features two comfy handles for easy carrying, an accessories pocket and four knife slots. Available in various styles and colors, this gorgeous leather knife bag will make every cook feel (and look) like a pro chef.
$299
Jill Gleeson is a travel and adventure journalist based in the Appalachians of Central Pennsylvania. Find her on Facebook and Twitter at @gopinkboots.
